AI Expo Africa 2019 to showcase 17 startups at dedicated innovation cafe

At least 17 artificial intelligence (AI) startups are set to showcase their solutions at this year’s AI Expo Africa, the event’s organiser have revealed.

AI Expo Africa claims it’s the largest business-focused AI trade event on the continent.

Now in its second year, the expo — which will take place on 4 and 5 September at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town — is curated by the AI Media Group.

AI Media Group co-founder Nick Bradshaw explained in an email to Ventureburn that the startups will be looking for buyers and to showcase their new technology.

AI Expo Africa 2019 will take place on 4 and 5 September at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town

“A core focus of the event is to trade, plain and simple. We want to put new suppliers in front of big enterprise buyers and investors who will be attending,” said Bradshaw.

He added that last year, one of the larger vendors who attended the expo was on the hunt for possible acquisitions.

“So, for the smaller companies there could be interest that transcends simple product and service sales,” he said.

‘No less ambitious’

Bradshaw said this year’s edition builds upon the “phenomenal” success of the inaugural event.

The inaugural event, he said, was attended by 725 delegates and 275 companies. These included enterprises buyers, suppliers, innovators and global brands in the region who are focusing on real world AI and data science applications.

In addition highlights of the event included the launch of Synapse — Africa’s first digital magazine covering AI on the continent — as well as Zindi, Africa’s largest data science challenge platform.

He said AI Media Group’s plans for this year’s expo are “no less ambitious” as the organiser has enhanced the programme with a range of new features for sponsors and speakers alike.

These he said include:

• VIP opening and awards event
• Large business networking reception
• Four-track speaking programme with over 60 talks and keynotes
• 36 booth Expo Hall with a new Technical Demo Zone
• Four new executive workshops aimed at Chief Experience Officers and decision makers
• Four skills workshops aimed at young engineers
• AI challenge to create Africa’s first AI generated music and artwork
• Innovation wall showcasing 10 leading African academic research and design posters
• Larger AI TV Media hub with dedicated interview suite
• Complimentary executive delegate pack
• Food, refreshments, Wi-Fi and free parking included as standard

The expo’s four-track programme will cover real-world AI innovation, case studies, platforms, panel discussions and technical demos.

Some of the speakers who will deliver plenary keynotes include:

• MTN Nigeria CTO and Data Science Nigeria founder Bayo Adekanmbi
• InstaDeep co-founder and CEO Karim Beguir
• Nvidia AI Technology Centre director and technologist Simon See

Bradshaw said topics to be covered in panel discussions include AI for Good, Women in AI, privacy and ethics, education, investment and adoption models both in business and at the country level.

Those looking to attend the event can get tickets here.

Featured image: Delegates at the inaugural AI Expo Africa (Supplied)